Between the Buried and MeThe Anatomy Of

An entire covers album always seems like a really fun idea, especially after releasing three albums in four years, but unfortunately BTBAM are, for the most part, unsuccessfully grasping the "je ne cest quoi that can make a cover song special. They routinely fail to put enough of their own spin on the songs, though never quite sinking to amateur teenage cover band status. Its no secret that theyre amazing players but they mostly leave their unique style behind, sacrificing any insight for a rather strict adherence to the original. A few real gems shine through, like the cover of Queens "Bicycle Race, Pink Floyds "Us and Them, King Crimsons "Three of a Perfect Pair and Sepulturas "Territory. Theres also a few more that adequately pay heed to the originals with an sufficient injection of BTBAMs individual dynamism but some of the more anticipated covers of the bunch, such as Metallicas "Blackened, Soundgardens "The Day I Tried to Live and Motley Crues "Kickstart My Heart, end up sounding somewhat empty and awkward at points. It doesnt help that Tommy Rogers doesnt have the most powerful voice, albeit versatile. Ultimately, though the album is hit and miss, its a valiant effort, if only because it has the potential to expose their fan base to music that may have otherwise remained off the radar entirely.
(Victory)